Monthly Archives: October 2014

One challenge Microsoft has continually faced within the software industry is Apple Inc.’s growing popularity among North America’s general public. The public’s turning away from Microsoft and movement towards Apple has played a large role in the recent introduction of free Microsoft Office programs on Apple products.

With both companies being well-known for revolutionizing technology, a line instigating intense rivalry has been drawn between Apple and Microsoft since the development of the software industry. However, this feature will not only boost Microsoft’s  Customer Segments and  sector by increasing the usage of company software, but also improve Customer Relationships by eliminating consumer costs for the app.

This will most likely be a greater improvement on Microsoft’s end, as I feel their decision to change the availability of their software and what seems to be an attempt to form a compromise with Apple will change the public’s perspective on the rivalry. As a long-term Microsoft fan (Windows and recent Microsoft Office user), I see this as a wise move from Microsoft and believe this alliance will benefit both corporations in the long run.

It appears that both software companies have set aside their differences and recognized the other’s strengths and overall influence on media and the public, leading to a (perhaps temporary) conciliation.

Source: (x)

An important yet highly controversial topic which has emerged during the past few months is the issue of the Northern Gateway Pipeline’s impact on First Nation reserves, as well as the influence of the First Nations’ objections to Enbridge’s project.

This circumstance relates considerably to an industrial “green ban” law enacted in Australia in 1971, which many opposed. The “green ban” prohibited harmful construction projects which would have a negative effect on the country’s environment, producing major downfalls for construction companies and causing them to remain idle for over 4 years.

Both of these debates include an opposing force, the First Nation peoples and Australian construction companies, whose strong opinions fuel the termination of the projects. The First Nations and Australian construction companies are both similar, sharing the common objective of dismantling respective government-related projects as well as disagreement with government actions.

Although largely damaging to the natural environment, the Northern Gateway Pipeline and construction in Australia are significant components of opportunity and growth for their respective countries. Both projects include government consent and involvement as well as consistent support from stakeholders and from the majority of the population. The development of these projects have been and are currently prohibited due to varying attitudes and input from the previously mentioned external factors.

Though both these controversies have arisen in separate centuries, there exists a parallel between the impact of First Nations towards Enbridge’s pipeline project and the influence of construction workers on Australia’s Green Bans. This correlation proves that there is no surefire method of safeguarding businesses entirely from external influences.

Sources:

• First Nations on the Northern Gateway Pipeline (x)
• Australia 1971 Green Bans (x)

A recent article posted last week caused the lasting debate over the raising of minimum wage in North America to once again resurface. The increase of BC’s minimum wage, like most other government actions, provides citizens of the province with both benefits and drawbacks. Having a steady source of income is necessary for survival in our current economy, however as stated in the article, enhancing the minimum wage requirement isn’t always simple.

Thriving in society by working full-time at a minimum wage job without falling below poverty line is an impossible feat, which is why raising wages has been such a vital issue among workers. Most employers presume that “such a wage increase could improve the standard of living for their employees”, “have a positive effect on employee retention”, and “help bolster the economy”, all which I agree with. However, I find the employers’ push for minimum wage increase ironic, as they would be the ones responsible for providing it.

As I have learned in Professor Gateman’s Microeconomics class the past week, having the government raise the minimum wage leads to more problems than solutions. As a government-enforced price floor, this increase would cause employers to discharge a number of new employees. Companies would rely on a smaller number of employees in order to save money, further causing the unemployment rate in BC to rise.

Undeniably, the differing yet valid viewpoints of North Americans is what has caused this discussion to span over decades. It is unknown when this debate will come to a sensible resolve, however I do believe the governments of both Canada and America will eventually determine a viable solution which can minimize unemployment as well as poverty.

Source: (x)

In response to Sirin Srikranjanapert’s post regarding the company’s development of a self-piloted automobile, I also believe this advancement will be an enormous step for Tesla Motors in the vehicle industry. As one of the leading brands in the electric car industry, the inclusion of this new and innovative feature will undoubtedly cause the corporation’s popularity to skyrocket after their product’s release.

I agree fully with Sirin’s statement in his post, in which he “definitely will have concern on the safety when using this feature.” After Tesla’s recent issues with mileage on their Model S, the reliability of the corporation to the public has decreased and potential customers may be wary about the quality of this new technology.  

Sirin also claims “it’s still a scary feature as you will have to trust your car with your life,” which is undeniably what almost all customers will consider before purchasing the vehicle. Uncertainty concerning new technology is completely sensible. Any malfunction with the auto-piloting technology could take lives, which may follow with Tesla Motors experiencing drastic repercussion.

This is a huge step from their present spot in the industry, and the corporation should assess their current issues before aiming to surpass competitors. Tesla Motors must first assure their company’s dependability to the public if they expect their new product to experience steady progress in the automobile market.

This post is a response to Ivy Luo’s post concerning the collaboration of the two extremely successful North American franchises. I thoroughly agree with Ivy’s view on seeing the alliance as an opportunity for Tim Hortons to in make their reputation known in America, and to establish franchises internationally. However, I do feel this will stir up quite a bit of controversy in Canada as well, since some Canadians will tend to view this collaboration as a loss of Canadian identity for Tim Hortons.

Taking account of Tim Horton’s previous relationship with Wendy’s and the increasing “Americanization” of companies worldwide, Canada may see this development as the corporation’s permanent migration into the American market. On a separate note, as well increasing share values and possibly strengthening their identity in the Canadian market, Burger King also may have ulterior objectives with this collaboration. Along with increased revenue and profit, this article states that a Burger King executive will be become the CEO of the new company. From Canada’s viewpoint, his could be interpreted as a virtual “takeover” of Tim Hortons.

Tim Horton’s is essentially one of the main “faces” of Canada’s food industry. This union may appear to be an excellent opportunity to gain popularity and develop the industry worldwide, however Tim Hortons must also consider the drawbacks and loss of national support due to this partnership.